For some Oregonians, election day is right around the corner — next Tuesday. The most publicized ballot issues are ones we’ve talked about already — the Democratic and Republican campaigns for Oregon’s First Congressional District. But another big issue that some voters are grappling with is urban renewal. Beaverton voters need to decide if they want to encourage development by voting for a new urban renewal district. And in Clackamas County, the issue is a bit more complicated. Voters there are facing two competing measures, each requiring some kind of vote before a new urban renewal area is established. In those controversial campaigns, the Oregonian has published two PolitiFact articles to check claims by backers of Measure 3-388 and competing Measure 3-386.

Portland has a number of existing urban renewal districts. The Portland Development Commission and others frequently point to the city’s Pearl District as a success story in the cause of livability. On the other hand, a city audit over the summer that raised questions about the city’s finances highlighed concerns about the cost of urban renewal districts.

Do you live in an urban renewal district? How does it impact your life? Are you voting on an urban renewal proposal? Which way are you voting and why?